The Annie Awards are prestigious awards that honor excellence in the field of animation. Established in 1972 by the ASIFA-Hollywood organization, they recognize outstanding achievements in various categories, including feature films, television shows, and short films. The awards aim to celebrate the creativity and artistry of animators and animation studios. The Annie Awards are often considered the animation industry's equivalent of the Academy Awards. Winners are selected by members of the Annie Awards organization, and the ceremony features various categories, such as Best Animated Feature and Best Character Design. The awards help promote the importance of animation in entertainment.